My partner and I were thrilled when Santa Nata, the Pastel de Natas specialist, opened up in Borough Yards, London SE1. We no longer had to trek to Covent Garden to indulge in our favourite traditional custard tarts. Portugal is renowned worldwide for its Pastel de Nata, featuring crisp, flaky layers of pastry filled with a delectable, creamy egg custard and a sprinkle of cinnamon. If you’re searching for the best Pastel de Nata’s in London, dessert places at Borough Yards or takeaway treats near Borough Market, stopping by Santa Nata promises the ultimate indulgence. We usually treat ourselves to a box of two each and devour them within seconds!
“Buy a box of Pastel de Natas at Santa Nata, and I bet they will be gone in a flash,” Homegirl London.
How Santa Nata Makes Their Pastel De Natas
Santa Nata exclusively serves authentic and traditional Pastel de Nata, handcrafted by their artisan pastry chefs using only the highest-quality ingredients. Named after the original home of Pastel de Nata in the parish of Santa Maria de Belém in Lisbon, Portugal, Santa Nata strives to honour the heritage of Portuguese baking.
Making the perfect artisan Pastel de Nata begins with selecting the finest, most exclusive and freshest ingredients from sustainable producers. The dough undergoes lamination, followed by the meticulous opening before it is skilfully shaped into moulds.
The custard-making process is equally skilled and involves numerous delicate procedures. If executed flawlessly, it yields a rich, creamy, perfectly balanced custard infused with hints of lemon and cinnamon. Finally, baking at high temperatures results in the perfect Pastel de Nata. Visitors can witness the “theatre” firsthand as the chefs bring the Pastel de Nata to life. I prefer mine slightly warm!
Pastel De Nata History
The origins of Pastel de Nata date back to before the 18th century, when monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in the parish of Santa Maria de Belém in Lisbon created them. During that era, convents and monasteries used substantial quantities of egg whites for starching clothes, leading to leftover egg yolks in cakes and pastries and proliferating sweet pastry recipes throughout the country.
Following the Liberal Revolution of 1820 and the subsequent dissolution of religious orders, many convents and monasteries faced closure. Monks began selling pastéis de nata at a nearby sugar refinery to generate revenue. In 1834, with the monastery’s closure, the recipe was sold to the refinery. Today, the monastery is a significant tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Watch My Santa Nata Video
Helpful Information About Santa Nata Borough Yards
For further details, visit the Santa Nata website. Located at Borough Yards, a regenerated development adjacent to Borough Market, the address is 19 Dirty Lane, London SE1 9PA, a short stroll from London Bridge or Borough Stations. Operating hours are from 10 am until 6 pm Monday to Wednesday, 10 am until 7 pm Thursday and Friday, 10 am until 9 pm on Saturday, and 11 am until 9 pm on Sunday. Santa Nata has two other branches in Covent Garden, located at 17 Russell Street and 7 New Row. Enjoy! There are a few tables inside the Borough Yards Santa Nata, so you can sit in and enjoy your Portuguese custard tarts.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Ten Reasons To Visit Borough Yards London SE1
Ten Things To Try At Borough Market
Explore Southwark Via The Low Line Walk
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about eateries where I had a good experience. I recommend you do further research as standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please check if the establishment is still in business and the opening times before you go. If you discover this restaurant has closed, contact me to remove it from my blog.
